Kishi Bashi “151a”
Out of the tons of bands coming to SXSW this past year, Kishi Bashi made the best impression on me. Bashi is a touring violinist for Of Montreal and Regina Spektor, and on his solo album he manages to spin both lush texture and joy in his orchestral arrangements.
The swirling violins of “Manchester” are just dazzling with elaborate harmonies and strings building to a loud crescendo. Next “Bright Whites” is another album highlight, with a Japanese language backing rhythm choral – it’s undeniably catchy too. The album travels into electro-pop world with hand claps on “It Began With A Burst” – kind of like The Beach Boys and The Beta Band partying with The Shins. The slower “Wonder Woman, Wonder Me” reminds me of Godley & Creme a bit and the clean harmonies in “Atticus, In The Desert” are also impressive. Fans of Arcade Fire, Yes, and Andrew Bird will love this.
Artist’s Website | Amazon
Fallon Cush “April”
The new Fallon Cush album marks a distinctive change in style. The first album flourished with power pop; April sticks mostly in the genre of Americana and Folk. The rootsy reflection of “Forever After” has varied orchestration and memorable guitar chorus. A bit like Jullian Lennon and Glenn Tilbrook, lead singer Steve Smith’s emotional plea in the melody of “Honey, Honey” resonates beautifully.
The tension is released on the weary “In The Nick Of Time” where the lyrics concentrate on saving a doomed relationship. But most impressive was the piano melody of “Where Your Name is Carved” – it recalls the best of Andrew Gold and Mike Viola and it’s my favorite here. Fans of Steely Dan and Bruce Hornsby will enjoy the compositions “Sight to Remember” and “Every Waking Hour” with its wonderful lyric and spot-on guitar melody. No filler here, and things pick up in tempo on “Renegade Blues” and a touch of Dylan is heard on “Frank & Margaret.” Overall, no sophomore slump here – a great LP from Smith that’s highly recommended.
